The time in hours it takes a satellite to complete an orbit around the earth varies directly as the radius of the orbit (from the center of the earth) and inversely as the orbital velocity. If a satellite completes an orbit 660 miles above the earth in 13 hours at a velocity of 32,000 mph, how long would it take a satellite to complete an orbit if it is at 1500 miles above the earth at a velocity of 38,000 mph?

Question

Physics

Gabriel Spence

10 October, 15:07

The time in hours it takes a satellite to complete an orbit around the earth varies directly as the radius of the orbit (from the center of the earth) and inversely as the orbital velocity. If a satellite completes an orbit 660 miles above the earth in 13 hours at a velocity of 32,000 mph, how long would it take a satellite to complete an orbit if it is at 1500 miles above the earth at a velocity of 38,000 mph?

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Answers (1)

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Zoe Simmons · Answer 1

Answer:It takes a satellite 12.93 hours to complete an orbit around the earth if it is at 1500miles above the earth at a velocity of 38,00mph

Explanation:

Taking 3960miles to be the radius of the earth, we use simple proportions to solve

(1500+3960) / (660+3960) * (32000/38000) * 13 = T in hours to complete orbit.

T = (5460/4620) * (32/38) * 13

T = 12.93hours